This document discusses the increasing importance of social media for journalism in Nepal. It provides statistics showing huge growth in Internet usage in Nepal from 2010 to 2012. Surveys of Nepali journalists find that almost all use the Internet and social media for their work, with over two-thirds using it to communicate and seek information. Journalists employ social media to research, verify information, develop new ideas, and distribute and promote their content. In conclusion, social media is reshaping communication and can help enhance journalism by connecting journalists and audiences in new ways.

1. Social Media &
Journalism
Ujjwal Acharya
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2. Why It Matters?
Because audiences are increasingly online!
Because social media is reshaping the communication!
Because social media can help journalism!
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3. Internet Users in Nepal
0
1000000
2000000
3000000
4000000
5000000
6000000
2010 2011 2012
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4. Internet Users in Nepal
Year Fixed Mobile Total Penetration
2010 109,420 925,962 1,035,382 3.69 %
2011 126,615 2,985,243 3,111,858 10.89 %
2012 151,078 4,716,176 4,867,254 18.28 %
Nepal Telecommunication Authority
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5. Information Evolution
• Communication: Linear -> Non-linear -> Circular
• Information finds people through shares, likes &
retweets
• Information & sources of information are abound;
audiences are limited.
• Facts are scare; opinions are scattered everywhere.
• Yet, in the floods of useless opinions; facts are still
sacred.
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6. The Surveys
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7. Journalists & Social Media
• Results of surveys by Federation of Nepali
Journalists (FNJ) & Center for Media Research
- Nepal (CMR Nepal) shows almost all
journalists using Internet & social media.
• FNJ Social Media Survey / www.fnjnepal.org
• Journalist & Social Media / research.butmedia.org
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8. Is Social Media Important?
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CMR-Nepal 2012

9. Journalists' Usages
• More than two-third use it for their professional work to
communicate (71%) & seek/exchange information (65.2%).
• About 37% use it for research. For 28%, it's a tool of
verification information.
• More than one-third use if for new ideas & professional
development.
• 18% use social media to publish & distribute contents online.
• Journalists also use social media to promote their write ups,
get feedback and measure popularity.
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Federation of Nepali Journalists 2012

10. Thank You!
ujjwal.acharya@gmail.com
@UjjwalAcharya
www.NepaliVoices.com
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